Originally Posted by opnwhlmnd:
Don't expect any fan friendly luxury at Grain Valley. As you walk in you will be thinking you are in a shipping container yard instead of a race track. Track food and drinks are very expensive. Be careful on some bleacher sections. You can pay admission at gate in turn four for front chute seating or gate at turn three for back chute seating. You are allowed to go back and forth to either after paying.
I've seen good and bad shows there. Would guess 18 sprint cars and 20 midgets this weekend.
Pretty spot on for Valley. They tried to run a regional midget series last year, so, I have spent a lot of time at Valley. My personal name for Valley is Sanford and Son Speedway. Besides the shipping containers, you are going to see a ton of broken-down mobile homes, semi rigs and other broken crap.
If you sit on the front straight away, you have the permanent restroom, the concession stands and working speakers. On the back straight away, you have a horrific port a potty, no concession stands, and no speakers. However, you have the sun at your back during the first half of the night. I always sit on the back straight. I also go to the Casey's during intermission to use the restroom and get a snack.
Valley is very hit or miss on the track prep and the track surface. I have seen some outstanding midget shows, and some dust bowls. Always go expecting to see them work the track at some point during the night.
The WAR sprint series has turned into a big unknown. A couple of years ago, WAR had a group split off to form MWRA. Since then, you do not know who will support it or not. Could have 15 cars could have 35.
In year's past, KKM has split their teams and kept a couple racing USAC and a couple racing POWRi, but they all return for Sweet Springs. Keith usually will tweet where everyone is going, but I have not seen that yet. In looking at POWRi car counts, they seem to be down a little this year, but this is a big weekend for them.
Finally, Sweet Springs is a great micro track. The midgets will put on a great show. They will pick up a couple cars from USAC to join the other POWRi cars. Not sure on the details, but WAR is supposed to have a race there on Sunday as well. They had a 'test session' last year that I missed. It could be entertaining, but I am expecting a $hit show. Camping and parking at Sweet Springs are very tight. If I had a camper, I would make plans to get there early.
With all that said, I think your plans on making a decision Saturday morning after you look at the results is the best answer. Valley has a two parking lots and there is usually room for parking in the first lot. I will try to remember to get on here Saturday morning to give you a review.